Shields are now split into 3 types; Bucklers, Kite Shields, and Tower Shields. Shields give a +1 to your armor class and can be mastered for additional benefits.
Parry, Bash, Defender, Deflect
+1 to Armor Class
Masteries
Parry
When you are hit with a melee attack by a creature you can see, you can use your reaction to increase your armor class against that attack by an amount equal to Your Dexterity Modifier, potentially causing the attack to miss. You can use this Mastery a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, recovering all expended uses at the end of a short or long rest.
Bash
You may use a Bonus Action to shove or make a special attack. This attack uses the Properties of the weapon or shield, except that it may only target a single creature, deals a d4 of bludgeoning damage and cannot be a Power Attack.
Defender
You gain a +1 to your Armor Class.
Deflect
You can add your shield’s bonus to dexterity saving throws. If you succeed the save you can use your Reaction to take no damage if you would normally take half.
Defender, Bash, Protector, Resist
+1 to Armor Class
Masteries
Defender
You gain a +1 to your Armor Class.
Bash
You may use a Bonus Action to shove or make a special attack. This attack uses the Properties of the weapon or shield, except that it may only target a single creature, deals a d4 of bludgeoning damage and cannot be a Power Attack.
Protector
While you are conscious, you give each other creature of your choice within 5ft of you a +2 bonus to their armor class.
Resist
When you take Slashing Bludgeoning or Piercing you reduce the damage by an amount equal to your Strength modifier.
Defender, Brace, Deflect, Resist
+1 to Armor Class
Masteries
Defender
You gain a +1 to your Armor Class.
Brace
As a Bonus Action you can choose any damage but Psychic or Poison, you gain resistance to that type of damage until the end of your next turn.
Deflect
You can add your shield’s bonus to dexterity saving throws. If you succeed the save you can use your Reaction to take no damage if you would normally take half.
Resist
When you take Slashing Bludgeoning or Piercing you reduce the damage by an amount equal to your Strength modifier.